10 Red Hot Tips to get you safely across the Kokoda Track
Did you know that, less than 0.01% of the Australian population has walked the Kokoda Track?
Like the large numbers making the trek to Gallipoli, it is expected numbers to Kokoda will increase over the next two years as more and more Australians became aware of the heroic deeds achieved on Kokoda defending Australian territory in 1942.
With this expected increase in numbers here are 10 tips to get you safely across the track.
1) Kokoda Spirit is a reputable and experienced tour company with a proven track record. Our trek masters and guides are professional, friendly, knowledgeable and passionate about the track with an exceptional knowledge of the history.
Our staff are first aid or wilderness first aid trained.
We have a comprehensive risk and safety management procedure for our treks and contingency plans in place.
We have 24 hour back up, with Satellite phones and first aid kits carried on every trek.
We also carry a minimum $10 million in Public Liability insurance.
2) Proper preparation and training are essential for Kokoda.
You need to be training on hills, hills and more hills. If you cannot find hills then you need to climb stairs.
We can supply you a specific training plan for Kokoda. Check out our Kokoda Spirit Training Guide. If you want to know more about training and preparing for Kokoda give us a call.
3) We provide great food, hearty and plenty of it freshly prepared and enhanced with local garden ingredients. (Not hydrated packages) Our food is prepared fresh and wholesome by our specialist camp cooks.
It is important to ensure you have a good balance of carbohydrates and proteins on the trek. You will need to ensure that you have snacks such as a good trail mix, jelly beans and or muesli bars. This will stop you getting the dreaded sugar flats during your trek.
4) Fluid intake on the track is crucial to your well being. You will sweat like you have never sweated before, so fluid intake is vital. Everybody has different fluid needs so listen to your body and drink when necessary.
It is very important to make sure that you replace your electrolytes to prevent suffering from Hyponatremia. This is a situation when you displace the sodium levels in your body caused through excessive perspiration. This can be avoided by drinking plenty of fluids and making sure that you have adequate electrolyte replacements. One teaspoon of salt for every three litres of water can also assist, as can salted peanuts, salty biscuits etc.
5) Peer pressure, trying to keep up with the group or a fast mate can lead to big problems on the track including overheating and fatigue. It is very important to walk at your own comfortable speed to ovoid over exertion and overheating.
Keep yourself cool, with a wet cloth, river water etc.
Do not overdress on the Track. Cool light clothes or “Cool Dry” style are good.
Remember there are no deadlines to meet, no emails to answer, no mobile phones, faxes etc on the Kokoda Track. The only things you need to do are walk and enjoy the experience.
6) Make sure you cover yourself with strong insect repellent (Bushman’s) to avoid insect bites. Taking Vitamin B especially B1 has some benefits in keeping the bugs away. Bees and other insects can cause allergic reactions make sure if you do have allergies you have medications.
7) It is important to mentally prepared for the track, train repeatedly on your hardest hill or carry extra weight to increase the toughness of your training. It is important that you prepare yourself mentally for the challenge ahead.
The terrain will be hard and it will challenge you, and some of the camping conditions and facilities are basic on the Kokoda Track so prepare yourself mentally and physically for your challenge.
8) Good footwear is crucial to a successful trek. Make sure your boots are in good condition and well worn. There is nothing more frightening half way across the Kokoda Track to find that your favourite boots have disintegrated.
Make sure your toe nails are short and filed to a nice round shape.
Keep your feet clean and dry on the track, avoid walking through rivers in your boots make sure when you get to camp you dry your boots, dry your feet and powder your feet with talcum powder.
Smearing a light cover of Vaseline over your feet each day will help to prevent blisters.
9) Hygiene on the track is absolutely essential to a successful trek. Please ensure that you have sufficient supplies of antibacterial hand wash and or baby wipes. Make sure that you wash your hands well before and after using the toilets and before and after eating food. Make sure your eating utensils are cleaned in hot water and detergent before and after every meal. (Our Cooking team will ensure this happens)
Make sure you use water purification tablets or some other form of sterilisation in your water.
10) Your health before and during the trek is our number one concern.
Make sure you get a Doctor’s clearance and medical check before commencing any strenuous exercise program. It is absolutely essential that you get yourself medically cleared by your Doctor before trekking Kokoda. Kokoda Spirit will send you a comprehensive Medical form that you must take to your Doctor. You must also ensure that you have adequate medical insurance for Kokoda.
And one more!
11) Enjoy and relax! Kokoda is an incredibly beautiful place. It may even change your life!
